Unvaccinated adults will be barred from large sports venues in England if the coronavirus pandemic places unsustainable pressure on the NHS over the winter.

The Government set out its plan for the months ahead on Tuesday, which includes 'Plan B' measures in the event of the pandemic significantly worsening.

These include the introduction of vaccine-only certification for any venue with more than 10,000 attendees, and for crowded indoor venues with over 500 attendees.

Vaccine-only certification would mean proof of a recent negative lateral flow test would no longer suffice.

"For venues, certification could allow settings that have experienced long periods of closure to remain open, compared to more stringent measures which may severely reduce capacity or cause them to close entirely."

Premier League clubs have been conducting certification spot-checks since the start of the season, as part of what it sees as prudent planning to ensure full capacities can continue in the event of restrictions tightening.

Chelsea said on July 28 that proof of double vaccination or a recent negative test would be needed to gain entry to home men's and women's matches this campaign.

EFL guidelines released on the eve of the current season encouraged individuals who were not double vaccinated to take a lateral flow test before attending a match.

The Government said it would give businesses at least one week's notice before mandatory certification came into force.